Port Perry Agricultural Society (PPAS) has assured the Township of Scugog that it is confident of raising funds to meet the enhancements suggested in phase one of the Port Perry Fairgrounds visioning exercise (see below).
It also reiterated its opposition to any residential development on the lands, and has once again called on the township to renew its long-term lease.
“For decades, the fairgrounds park and its facilities were maintained by the PPAS with funding shared three ways, between PPAS, the township, and the bygone Port Perry Businessman’s Association,” said a letter to the mayor, council and staff by Paul Puckrin, PPAS President.
“The burden has fallen, in recent years, fully on the shoulders of the PPAS. It is a responsibility we are glad to continue.
“With a renewed, long-term lease, we can pursue funding and grants to provide capital improvements in line with the community’s expectations,” said Puckrin.
He said PPAS can also continue to hold the fair, and also host and support other events throughout the year.
No To Housing Development
The PPAS President said while they recognize the pressure to expand housing opportunities, the parkland is a public resource that serves all ages.
“There are several building sites in Port Perry which are already earmarked for residential development, including seniors’ apartments,” said Puckrin while pointing out that they are not being developed despite plans and commitments to do so.
“It is not necessary to consider any portion of this important park for residential development when other projects are lying dormant. The park will serve those locations as well, once they are built,” said the PPAS President.
Overwhelming Public Support
PPAS said it is gratified to see “overwhelming public support for the annual fair, as well as for the retention of the fairgrounds park as a public space for all to enjoy.
“Also of note are the suggestions for enhancements on the site, such as improved paths, shade trees, benches, gardens and other upgrades to facilities, such as washrooms, all of which are firmly on our agenda,” said Puckrin.
“We want to work for and with our community to make this cherished in-town green spaces a better public park, and a permanent home for the fair,” he added.
The PPAS President was responding to the independent consultant Darwin Pivot’s interim report to Scugog Council.